In Memoriam: Daniel Matapí and Dr. Roberto Franco

On September 6, 2014, ACT lost two wonderful and beloved ACT colleagues.

Daniel Matapí served as a field coordinator for our work with indigenous groups of the Colombian Amazon, particularly with groups associated with his lineage, the Matapí, Yukuna, Nonuya, and Muinane of the lower Caquetá. He was born and raised in the Amazon, spoke four languages, and was equally adept at training western scientists, negotiating with tribal leaders, launching field programs, and hacking trails through the jungle. His unfailing good humor and indefatigable optimism will never be forgotten.​

Dr. Roberto Franco was the leading authority on isolated tribes of the Colombian Amazon. He was a widely revered figure in Colombian academic circles, published important books on Colombian tribes (Los Carijonas de Chiribiquete and Cariba Malo: Episodios de resistencia de un pueblo indígena aislado del Amazonas) and was a fearless and effective crusader for the protection of isolated tribes. ​ Roberto played a key role in the Colombian government's recent decision to more than double the size of Chiribiquete National Park, a move that was widely hailed as a one of the most important conservation achievements of the 21st century.​ Roberto's iron-willed determination to protect the most marginalized and vulnerable peoples of the western hemisphere remains unequalled

The demise of Daniel and Roberto is the perhaps the most severe double loss to the rainforest conservation movement since the deaths of botanist Al Gentry and ornithologist Ted Parker in 1993. Like Al and Ted before them, Daniel and Roberto were treasured by their colleagues, and are sorely missed. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to their families. ​Their passion, their determination, and their pioneering efforts live on.​

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